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Geographic information system (GIS) technologists and technicians

OaSIS code 22214.04

Geographic information systems technologists and technicians operate computer-based systems to model and manage geospatial data and prepare geographic reports, maps and charts.

Overview

Also known as

  • Geographic information systems (GIS) technician
  • Geographic information systems (GIS) technologist

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate specialized computer hardware and software and peripheral equipment to model, manage, analyze and display geospatial data
  • Develop specialized computer software routines, Internet-based GIS, database and business applications to customize geographic information
  • Work with external organizations on data transfer and systems compatibility issues
  • Perform data entry and editing activities and maintenance operations to systems following predetermined calibration procedures
  • Integrate external software such as spreadsheets and statistical packages with GIS software
  • Train and provide technical support for GIS users.

Additional information

  • Geomatics is an interdisciplinary field encompassing the collection, analysis and presentation of geographically referenced data.
  • Mobility is possible between some occupations in this unit group.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Land survey technologists and technicians (22213)
  • Land use technician (in 22300.02 Civil engineering technicians)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

22 – Technical occupations related to natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

222 – Technical occupations related to applied sciences (except engineering)

Minor group

2221 – Technical occupations in architecture, drafting, surveying, geomatics and meteorology

Unit group

22214 – Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Occupational profile

22214.04 – Geographic information system (GIS) technologists and technicians

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Analyzing Data or Information
4 - High Level
Applying New Knowledge
4 - High Level
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics
4 - High Level
Getting Information
4 - High Level
Interacting with Computers
4 - High Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Standing
Duration
1 - Very little time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
1 - Very little time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
3 - Important
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day

Workplaces/employers

  • All levels of government
  • Architectural firms
  • Computer software firms
  • Engineering firms
  • Forestry and other natural resources companies
  • Mapping firms
  • Scientific and other consulting firms and establishments
  • Utility companies

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Information Ordering
4 - High Level
Mathematical Reasoning
4 - High Level
Near Vision
4 - High Level
Numerical Ability
4 - High Level
Spatial Visualization
4 - High Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Numeracy
4 - High Level
Systems Analysis
4 - High Level
Coordinating
3 - Moderate Level
Critical Thinking
3 - Moderate Level
Decision Making
3 - Moderate Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Attention to Detail
5 - Extremely important
Adaptability
4 - Highly important
Analytical Thinking
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important